You have to make time to recharge so you can be the best trainer, coach, and horseman.
By Katie Navarra
Managing a work-life balance is a constant struggle. Despite well-planned schedules and the best of intentions, you regularly find you workdays extended by last-minute pleas for a lesson or a horse-health emergency. Pressure to meet client expectations while still having time to enjoy family and friends can lead to anxiety, stress, and frustration.
“The almighty life-work balance is something we all struggle with,” said Devin Warren of Warren Performance Horses in Franktown, Colorado.
It’s important from a mental health perspective to have a change of focus and give yourself a break from the anxieties and stress that might be occurring in one aspect of your life.
“The business part of training can be a strain, and I find taking a mental break is important,” said Tim Katona for Katona Reining Horses in Belleville, Michigan.
Crystal McNutt of McNutt Performance Horses in Scottsdale, Arizona, added, “We’re all competitive by nature. We all want to do better and be better for our clients, and it can become all-consuming.”
If left unchecked, the long hours not only impact the quality of care provided, but also strains relationships at home. Here, we’ll provide tips for mastering the balance, as well as advice and insights from these NRHA Professionals.
Finding a Work-Life Balance
Striking a work-life balance can be perplexing. How is it possible to provide high-quality service, keep clients happy, find time for family and friends, or enjoy a hobby (or just time away from the business)?
Making small changes to your daily or weekly routine can make a big difference in your stress levels.
“We try to shut down by 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays,” Warren said.
McNutt added, “Unless we’re at a show, we shut down at noon on Saturdays.”
Learn to say “no” and to honor your own and employee needs for family commitments. This may be difficult at first; however, people will come to respect that you know your own limits and understand that when you’re over-committed, it can result in compromised quality.
“We use a Google calendar to create our schedules, and when time is blocked off for a personal activity, that takes priority,” Warren said.
Leaving work is difficult when the barn and house are on the same property because you’re always on call. Separating the business from the home is important.
“We used to have the office in the basement of our house,” Warren shared. “When a client asked for an invoice they’d end up following me into the house. We recently added space onto the barn for an office, and it has really helped create space between the business and home.”
Remember, a little relaxation goes a long way. Small changes such as leaving the office one hour earlier one night a week or spending 10 to 15 minutes a day on a small pleasure like taking a walk or reading non-work-related materials can be significant in reducing stress.
“Taking the Bassett Hounds for a walk or watching a football game help takes my mind off work,” McNutt said.
“I like spending time alone once a week to reflect so I can come back with a smile,” Katona said.
Preparing for Time Away
Planning a getaway can be challenging and nerve-wracking, especially for young trainers or small facilities without staff. Sole owner-operators are faced with arranging for coverage in their absence.
“If you’re leasing stalls, it’s probably that person’s responsibility to clean stalls and feed, so it makes it a little easier to get away,” Warren said. “We also take long weekend trips locally so that we’re close by in case I need to return.”
Trainers who employ staff have the benefit of turning to employees for support. Communication and organization are key. Keeping the lines of communication open about upcoming commitments in advance to plan adequate coverage ensures that both you and your staff or temporary help feel comfortable. For others, time off can mean staying at home, which means care is still available for the horses.
“Most of the time when I take time off, I take time off from riding, but I’m still around to take care of the horses,” McNutt said.
How Often Is Often Enough?
The frequency of time off depends on personal preference and the size of the business.
“Enough vacation time” is when you’re able to attend events that you feel you should, and you also have a chance to recharge your batteries to a point that you enjoy and look forward to returning to work. Some people prefer longer breaks, whereas others favor frequent long weekends throughout the year. Weekly activities outside the horse industry can be reinvigorating.
“I try to slip away once a week to fish, hunt, or participate in hand-gun competitions,” Katona said, “I enjoy wearing different hats and find that I come home in a better mood after talking about other topics.”
Regular weekend getaways are also beneficial. Locale determines the destination, but beaches and mountains, national and state parks, or an overnight at a bed and breakfast or vineyard can provide a relaxing weekend getaway.
“Sometimes we drive two hours from home where we can get away from the dang cellphones and put up a tent for few days,” Warren said. “Other times a few days at a nice hotel in the next town over is enough.”
Less frequent, longer trips are the key for others.
“Short three- or four-day trips don’t work for me,” McNutt admitted. “I can never truly unplug. I prefer a longer trip to Alaska where I can take time to catch up on my sleep and recharge.”
Take-Home Message
While having a good work ethic is necessary, the need to unwind and de-stress is real. Time away doesn’t have to mean weeks out of the country; it can be simply hours or days away from the barn. It’s equally important to nurture an environment where asking for help, attending family events, and taking needed time off is acceptable and encouraged. Strive for work-life balance to keep yourself and your family healthy and happy.
